Page 105 of The Queen and the Half-blood
“No … I told him about it before our handfasting … when we were alone.” Lara looked away. “By the Gods,” she muttered. “We can’t afford to lose warriors … or druids for that matter.”
“It’s a blow … to be sure,” Bree answered after a pause. “I don’t want to remind you of this … but many more will die before the end. You need to be ready.”
Lara’s breathing grew shallow. They were brutal words, but they were true.
She was leading an army into battle—a war that wouldn’t be easily won. The death of her emissaries was only the beginning of the blood that would be spilled in her name.
Swallowing, she nodded. “You’re right,” she said huskily.
“Sorry … that was harsh.”
Lara looked up to find Bree watching her, her gaze shadowed.
“It’s all right,” she murmured, managing a tight smile. “You know I appreciate your honesty.”
The two women fell silent then. The dull, rhythmic squelch of their horses’ hooves on the road replaced their conversation. Themorning was slowly passing. It wouldn’t be long before they’d reach the sheltering gates of Dulross. The fort’s chieftain, Og mac Alpin, was expecting her. There would be a fine meal and comfortable accommodation awaiting the High Queen. They wouldn’t be able to linger in Dulross long, but it was the last friendly port before they set sail onto rough seas.
“You’re getting along better again these days, I see.”
Bree’s softly spoken comment roused Lara from her thoughts. She cut her a sidelong glance. “Sorry?”
“You and Alar.”
Warmth rose to her cheeks. “Aye … a little.”
Bree’s expression tightened.
An awkward silence followed, and Lara frowned. “So, you haven’t revised your opinion of him?”
“No. I still think he’s a sly bastard.”
“Really?” Anger quickened in her belly. Sometimes, Bree took her bluntness too far. “Even now?”
“Sure, he’s useful in a fight … but I still wouldn’t trust him.”
“And why not?” she asked, her voice suddenly brittle. She knew Alar was flawed. Dangerous. But she still wanted to believe in him.
“Because trust is earned … and he’s yet to win mine.”
“Queen Lara!”
A woman’s shout carried through the misty air, slicing through their conversation.
A moment later, a leather-clad figure bent low over the neck of a lathered horse galloped toward them, down the column of warriors on horseback and on foot. The woman had fiery red hair, streaming behind her, and sweat gleamed on her flushed face.
Immediately, Bree was at the ready. Drawing her longsword, she urged her horse forward to protect Lara. Likewise, thesurrounding warriors closed ranks around them, hemming the High Queen in.
Cailean rode forward to meet the woman, barring her way. “State your business.”
Lara stood up on her stirrups, straining to see over the heads of those protecting her.
The rider hauled her horse to a halt. The poor beast stood there, sides heaving, as the woman faced down the chief-enforcer. “I must speak to the High Queen!”
“I’m here,” Lara called back. “What’s wrong?”
The woman’s gaze snapped her way. Even from this distance, Lara could see that her eyes were wild. “Doure has been taken, My Queen!”
Dizziness swept over Lara.What?
